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Beginner Scuba Diver Class Structure All Scuba classes are structured in a similar fashion. The objective is to complete your training in the most efficient, convenient and cost effective way possible. Of course, safety is always the number one priority. There are three components to beginner courses. The first component is the knowledge development. This is done using three different strategies (1) self study, (2) classroom lecture and (3) online learning. Most instructors employ more than one of these strategies to develop a student's knowledge base. The second component is confined water sessions. Generally, there are five parts to a confined water session. However, more than one part can be done in a single done. Confined water sessions are done at a pace determined by the student's performance. Some students excel in confined water, some take more time. Confined water sessions can be done in shallow lakes or oceans, but, most commonly, confined water sessions are done in ten foot deep, heated pools to maximize comfort and relaxation during the early stages of skill development. The third component is open water sessions. These are a minimum of four dives done in a lake or ocean environment. No more than three training dives are done in one day. During the training dives, students will show mastery of the skills learned during the confined water sessions. Divers can reach up to 60 feet (which is the maximum depth for an Open Water Diver), discover marine life and live the adventure that is a Scuba diver! Group vs. Private Scuba Lessons Group lessons and private lessons both offer many benefits. In a group lesson, you have the opportunity to meet a lot of divers who are at the same exact level that you are in. A dynamic appears that can uncover a lot of issues, a new diver, may not have even thought about. However, most Scuba lessons have about 12 hours of actual in-water time to practice. If you are in a group of eight people, this can limit the amount of 1:1 time with an instructor. At this critical stage, having that personalized service can be incredibly helpful in full developing the skill-set, muscle memory and long term retention. Group lessons simply do not offer the maximum allowable in water time to work directly with an instructor. As a new diver, you will need to balance the economic advantage of a group lesson with the lack of personalized attention offered in a private lesson. TIP: Socials and advanced education will give new divers ample opportunity to meet new divers. FOOTNOTE: The Academy of Scuba only offers classes with a 2 to 1 professional to student ratio. Online Learning It is the 21st century and the world has taken to educating itself online. Scuba is no different. As mentioned above in the Class Structure, self study is an integral part of learning to dive. Traditionally, self study has been accomplished through manuals and text books. And, while many folks, still enjoy this method, the trend has brought us to embracing online learning for the self study component. The good news, in-water sessions cannot be done online ... yet. The Online Learning program needs an Internet connection. It can be done 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You do it at your pace. Some divers do it all in one session, some divers break it up into several sessions. It's a very easy application. If you get stuck, help is an email or phone call away. FOOTNOTE: When you sign up through the Academy of Scuba, our Online Learning component is including at no additional charge with your tuition. Where to do your Open Water Training Dives Open water training can be done from the shore or from a boat; it can be done in a lake, river, or the ocean. Many divers opt to do their training dives in a lake and then continue their education or dive for fun when they head out to the ocean. Some divers do all their class and pool work and then venture off with a referral to the ocean to complete their training. This is a decision that you can discuss and make with your instructor. The most important thing is that you (1) have a plan that will cater to your needs and (2) get the best possible education. FOOTNOTE: When you sign up with the Academy of Scuba, we do most of our beginner level training in Lake Pleasant and save our ocean trips for advanced level training. For those divers wanting to go off to the Caribbean to complete their training, we work with our sister shop -- GeoFish Dive Center in Playa del Carmen. Although, we can assist you no-matter what your destination. First Night of Scuba Class O.K., you have finished your self study, and tonight is the first night of class. What should I do? Relax, it's going to be a lot of fun. First off, you should bring all your forms. Additionally, you should have all of your self study complete. If you are using the online learning service, print off your completion document. If you are using a textbook, bring copies of your completed knowledge reviews. Eat something light before class --- no carbs. If you are in the classroom, bring a notebook, paper and some water (in a non-spill bottle). There will be breaks. If you are in the pool, you will need to bring your personal gear. This includes, your mask, snorkel, fins, booties, bathing suit, towel, and dry clothes to change into. You may want to bring some ear drying medicine for after the pool session. TIP: If you have bought a new mask, make sure you have cleaned it like the dive professional advised you before the pool session. Otherwise, it may fog up. |
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